Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

363. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to introduce legislation regarding asylum provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24697/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On 25 March 2015 I published the General Scheme of the International Protection Bill, which was approved by the Government, and which proposes to establish a single applications procedure for international protection. This is the first step in delivering the Government's undertaking in the Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016 to legislate to reduce the length of time protection applicants spend in the system. This reform will simplify and streamline existing arrangements and provide applicants with a final decision on their protection application in a more straightforward and timely fashion and will also, as a consequence, reduce the length of time that applicants spend in the Direct Provision system.

In accordance with the Government decision, I have forwarded the General Scheme of the Bill to the Attorney General for the detailed drafting of the legislation which, subject to Government approval, will come before the Oireachtas for consideration and enactment into law. My aim is for the legislation to be enacted by the end of this year.